South Asia
Money, cards and tipping in Maldives
MVRRufiyaa
Money in Maldives
Mixed: cards and cash Resorts bill in US dollars by card. On local islands carry dollars or rufiyaa for cafés, ferries and tips. US$1 ≈ Rf15.44 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is added to most bills, plus tax. Many resort guests also tip staff a few dollars a day.
- ATMs: ATMs in Malé, Hulhumalé, the airport and larger islands; many local islands have none.
- Paying by phone: Cards and phone wallets work at resorts and most Malé businesses; local QR payments need a Maldivian account.
- Price level: about 51% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malé | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at hotels, restaurants and shops; cash for taxis, ferries, local cafés and fish market. ATMs are in town and at the airport. |
| Maafushi | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at guesthouses and bigger cafés; cash for ferries, small cafés and tips. The island has an ATM, but it can run out. |
| Thulusdhoo | Mostly cash | Guesthouses and some cafés take cards, often with a surcharge. Carry dollars or rufiyaa for small cafés, shops and boat trips. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Maldives?
A 10% service charge is added to most bills, plus tax. Many resort guests also tip staff a few dollars a day.
Is Maldives cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. Resorts bill in US dollars by card. On local islands carry dollars or rufiyaa for cafés, ferries and tips.
What currency does Maldives use?
The Rufiyaa (MVR). US$1 ≈ Rf15.44 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Maldives Immigration: Tourist Visa
- IMUGA Traveller Declaration
- Visit Maldives (official tourism board)
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.